LL Bean has a good selection of wash and wear "dirt" colored and a green. There great ... and very importantly if you're flying between camps... light weight as well as uv etc.

I hate khaki and look like a dead trout when I wear it, so...

Wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, for the colors I *have* to wear (out of one form of conformity or another), I choose heathered ones; they're already a bit faded and get dusty and thus become more faded. A heathered eggplant, a dusty rose, etc. Nothing too bright.

I'm in the cotton, no vest camp. But I'm willing to drive out to the hi-tek fabric, Rocco Vest camp and meet friends for sundowners. :D

Enjoy your trip.

There is enough privacy with rocks and bushes. I see very few skirts on game drives. Never on a walk. But as mentioned, I almost never see pants on local women.

I like the warmth of pants in the early am and at night. While bugs are not a problem, I prefer to reduce their access by wearing pants. Plus the zip-offs can turn into shorts if it gets real hot midday.

Since this thread seems to have been hijacked somewhat by a discussion of women squatting in the bush.... I have a weird question. Has anyone used those little "urinelle" things on safari? They seem to make sense for those among us with bad knees who can't squat, but I admit they seem pretty bizarre. Anyone used them? Any success? Thanks.

Beth

to Beth
There is a thread started in january- february called something like " Bathrooms in the Bush" or "Bush loo"
There are at least one hundred posts pertaining to this question.....yes, there are funnel- shaped disposables from Megellan, also a product called Freshette.....i took them both with me.......the one time that i needed it, I had not remembered to put it in my day bag......

you have to read the post on this site. Type in Bathrooms safari and it shows up around number 10 on the list. It is hysterical. Gets better and better yet...some good ideas for those who are in areas with long drives. Melitta coffee filter cones, with the ends snipped off were suggested as cheap alternative to other funnel contraptions. Read the thread...it is priceless.

and, as to squatting in the bush I have been appalled to see bringing toilet paper along recommended in some threads. While I won't comment on what you need to do in the bush, tatters of white toilet paper littering the wilderness is just awful. Pack it in, pack it out, or something to that effect.

I always have a roll of toilet paper in my photo bag, quite useful for many things. If you're using it for the original purpose, you just burn it after that.

It is amazing - is it not that we can hope to see akill, marvel at the scent marking of "mammals" on the savanna bushes and even whilst walking be interested in the scat of other animals but, when it comes to discussing human err, ummm, activities... we go red, get shy and and wonder what others are doing. good on you for asking!

This thread answered your questions, seriously... and it is a fun read (it is the thread spsand and momliz refer to immediately above.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34912962

You never leave used toilet paper or tissues behind after doing your business. Along with the paper/tissues you've packed you add a few sandwich size plastic bags for this purpose... then dispose of them in the vehicle trash or back at your room. You can also take individual packaged babywipes and use original package for the used wipe, again to be placed in the trash. Burning would be the last thing I'd do, or you can set the whole darn place ablaze.

Oh man, not my innocent colors and clothes thread degenerating into potty talk (glad there's another thread for that, which is hysterical btw)...

So since its back up, how about a quick poll on cotton vs. high-tech/quick dry (and why)?

Personally I am a huge fan of my high-tech/quick dry pants -- I've worn them all over the world.

The why -- lightweight, easy to pack, they dry overnight anywhere, easy to clean if spilled on, comfy and cool.

So which do you prefer?

sandi, burning is the easiest and quickest way, and this is how they handle it in southern Africa. Of course you don't go away while the paper is still burning. I've done this several times, during game drives or sundowner breaks, and it was always the recommended way told to me by my guides, all members of the top upmarket operators.

Because we primarily enjoy camping safaris, we pack cotton for the following reasons.

Safety: When sitting around campfires the winds can suddenly shift and sparks fly. Cotton is less likely to ignite or melt causing serious injury.

Good Health: Cotton clothing can be pressed with a hot iron to kill any eggs that may have been laid while laundry is drying in the sun. (I’ve also seen a number of people on safari with scorched marks, or melted holes, on their synthetic clothing from laundry services).

Quietness: When on a walking safari, cotton is quiet; synthetics make a swishing noise. (Noise is also picked up on video when people move about in the vehicle).

Comfort: Cotton breathes and does not wick moisture from the skin as quickly. It I rip clothing on a wait-a-bit thorn, I can easily repair it, not so easily done with synthetics. I pack a minimum of clothes, so each garment is fundamental on safari.

Thanks to all who directed me to the bathrooms in the bush thread. I don't know how I missed it before. Almost wet myself reading it....

Beth

Khakif,

I'm sure you didn't intend to make me laugh but the visual of synthetic fabric causing an uproar around a calm campfire has had me laughing all day.

Cheers,
Juliet

I hate to divert back from potty talk to colors but as mentioned before most mammals are thought not to see in color like we do and this is often used as a rationale not to worry about blending in with the environment. However, not all colors and patterns look the same to them, they still identify differences. Think about it, why do the predators have colors and patterns that allow them to blend for concealment? Why do potential prey species with defenses like skunks or coral snakes or honey badgers have bold patterns -- could these be a warning to other animals that an unpleasant experience awaits them. Most mammals may see in a grayscale but evolutionary development would seem to prove that color and pattern matter a good deal and when a person wears a bright color or bold pattern that is not typically seen in that environment the 'color blind' mammals are still going to see that object as something that is obvious and doesn't belong.

Many of the animals on safari are so habituated that they may well know and ignore it at this point but it is something to think about, especially if you are going to be walking or visiting areas where animals are not so heavily habituated.

Pred, so are you telling me I should stop wearing that lesser kudu suit I like to wear on safari? What about my oryx outfit?

:D

Take some photos of your favourite clothes and convert them to greyscale with Photoshop (or any other image program). That's the best way to illustrate what PredatorBiologist is talking about.

Juliet,

Laughter is good and yeah that “vision” is a hoot! But, not for the poor person leaping about. Many synthetics “melt” onto the skin causing painful and serious burns (even though the burn hole left by the cinder may be small). Not to mention the victim’s whooping calls can attract curious visitors …. <grin>.

Leely,

:)
How do you choose whether to be kudu or oryx?

Back to potty talk. I hope those costumes have conveniently located zippers for squatting.